Oahspe⁚ A New Bible ⎻ An Overview
Oahspe⁚ A New Bible is a book published in 1882‚ purporting to contain new revelations from the Embassadors of the angel hosts of heaven prepared and revealed unto man in the name of Jehovih․ It was produced by an American dentist‚ John Ballou Newbrough (1828-1891)‚ who reported it to have been written by automatic writing․
What is Oahspe?
Oahspe⁚ A New Bible is a book that claims to present new revelations from the “Embassadors of the angel hosts of heaven” in the name of Jehovih․ It was written in 1882 by John Ballou Newbrough‚ an American dentist‚ who claimed to have received the text through automatic writing․ The book is a voluminous work‚ containing over 2‚000 pages and divided into several sections‚ each covering different aspects of cosmology‚ history‚ and spirituality․ Oahspe’s teachings are distinct from traditional Christian beliefs‚ offering a unique perspective on creation‚ the nature of God‚ and the purpose of humanity․ The book has been influential in certain circles‚ particularly within spiritualist and New Thought movements‚ and continues to be read and debated today․
The Author⁚ John Ballou Newbrough
John Ballou Newbrough (1828-1891) was an American dentist who claimed to have received the revelations contained in Oahspe through automatic writing․ Born in New York‚ Newbrough practiced dentistry in several states before moving to California in the 1870s․ He began writing Oahspe in 1880‚ and the book was published in 1882․ Newbrough’s life and work have been the subject of much speculation‚ with some considering him a genuine spiritual medium and others suggesting he was a fraud․ Despite the controversy surrounding his authorship‚ Oahspe has had a lasting impact on certain spiritual and religious communities‚ and Newbrough remains a central figure in the history of this unique text․
The Origin of Oahspe
Oahspe’s origin is shrouded in mystery and controversy․ John Ballou Newbrough‚ the author‚ claimed to have received the text through automatic writing‚ a process where a person’s hand writes without their conscious control․ He stated that the words were dictated to him by spirit entities‚ specifically the “Embassadors of the angel hosts of heaven‚” acting in the name of Jehovih․ This claim led to accusations of fraud and plagiarism‚ as some believe Newbrough fabricated the text or borrowed from existing works․ However‚ believers in Oahspe maintain its authenticity‚ attributing its unique and often challenging content to divine inspiration․ The exact origins of the text‚ therefore‚ remain a matter of ongoing debate and personal interpretation․
Key Themes and Teachings
Oahspe presents a unique cosmology and set of teachings that diverge significantly from traditional Abrahamic religions․ Key themes include the existence of a supreme being called Jehovih‚ who is distinct from the God of the Bible‚ and the concept of “Kosmon‚” a vast‚ interconnected universe governed by spiritual laws․ The text outlines the history of the Earth and humanity‚ emphasizing a cyclical pattern of creation and destruction‚ with the current era being the “Kosmon Era․” Oahspe also promotes a philosophy of personal responsibility‚ urging individuals to strive for spiritual growth and enlightenment through self-discipline‚ compassion‚ and a connection with the divine․ It advocates for a more inclusive and egalitarian society‚ challenging traditional notions of power‚ authority‚ and dogma․
Reception and Impact
Oahspe garnered a mixed reception upon its publication‚ with some embracing its message as a revelation of spiritual truth while others dismissed it as a work of fiction or even outright fraud․ The book gained a following among spiritualists‚ New Thought proponents‚ and those seeking alternative religious perspectives․ Its impact is evident in its influence on various spiritual and philosophical movements‚ contributing to the rise of alternative religions‚ esoteric teachings‚ and a growing interest in alternative cosmologies․ While Oahspe has not achieved mainstream acceptance‚ it remains a significant text within certain spiritual circles‚ providing a unique and often challenging perspective on the nature of existence‚ spirituality‚ and humanity’s place within the cosmos․
The Contents of Oahspe
Oahspe is divided into several distinct books‚ each exploring different aspects of its cosmology‚ theology‚ and teachings․
The Book of Jehovih
This book‚ the most extensive in Oahspe‚ presents a detailed narrative of Jehovih’s creation and governance of the universe‚ emphasizing his role as the supreme deity․ It delves into the origins of humanity‚ the fall of man‚ and the subsequent history of Earth‚ including accounts of ancient civilizations and the arrival of prophets․ The book explores the nature of good and evil‚ the consequences of sin‚ and the importance of living a righteous life․
The Book of Cosmology
This section provides a unique and detailed explanation of the universe‚ its structure‚ and its origins․ Oahspe’s cosmology challenges conventional scientific and religious understanding‚ offering a different perspective on the nature of reality․ It introduces the concept of “Kosmon‚” a vast‚ eternal realm encompassing multiple worlds and celestial bodies․ The book describes the processes of star formation‚ planetary evolution‚ and the existence of other inhabited worlds beyond Earth․ Oahspe’s cosmology also touches upon the nature of time‚ space‚ and energy‚ presenting a complex and often challenging model of the universe․
The Book of Wisdom
This book delves into spiritual principles‚ ethical guidelines‚ and philosophical insights․ It offers practical advice on living a virtuous life‚ fostering personal growth‚ and understanding the nature of good and evil․ The Book of Wisdom emphasizes the importance of love‚ compassion‚ and selflessness as fundamental principles for spiritual advancement․ It also explores themes of justice‚ karma‚ and the interconnectedness of all living beings․ The book’s teachings are often presented in aphoristic and poetic language‚ encouraging reflection and contemplation․
The Book of Revelation
This section presents a unique perspective on the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity․ It outlines a series of events leading to a cosmic transformation and the establishment of a new era of peace and harmony․ The Book of Revelation details a time of great upheaval and change‚ including natural disasters‚ social unrest‚ and spiritual awakening․ It also describes the emergence of a new spiritual dispensation and the return of a divine being known as Jehovih․ The book’s message emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth‚ moral responsibility‚ and preparing for a future of spiritual enlightenment․
The Book of Urantia
This section delves into the history and development of the planet Urantia‚ which in Oahspe’s cosmology refers to Earth․ It provides a unique account of human evolution‚ exploring the origins of life‚ the emergence of human consciousness‚ and the role of spiritual beings in shaping the course of human history․ The Book of Urantia also presents a detailed account of past civilizations‚ including advanced societies that existed before the current epoch․ It highlights the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of understanding the spiritual dimensions of existence․
Oahspe’s Influence on Modern Thought
Oahspe has left a lasting impact on modern thought‚ particularly within spiritual‚ esoteric‚ and alternative religious circles․
Spiritualism and New Thought Movements
Oahspe’s emphasis on spiritual development and the inherent divinity of humanity resonated with the burgeoning spiritualist and New Thought movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries․ These movements‚ which emphasized personal transformation‚ direct communication with the spirit world‚ and the power of positive thinking‚ found common ground with Oahspe’s teachings on spiritual evolution and the potential for human beings to achieve a higher state of consciousness․ Oahspe’s unconventional cosmology and its emphasis on the role of angels and divine beings in the universe also aligned with the spiritualist belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the existence of a spiritual realm beyond the physical world․
Theosophy and Occultism
Oahspe’s exploration of esoteric themes‚ including reincarnation‚ karma‚ and the existence of hidden spiritual realms‚ drew parallels with Theosophy‚ a philosophical and spiritual movement that emerged in the 19th century․ Theosophy‚ like Oahspe‚ sought to synthesize Eastern and Western spiritual traditions‚ and its teachings on the nature of the universe‚ the evolution of consciousness‚ and the existence of higher spiritual beings resonated with Oahspe’s own cosmological framework․ Some occultists and esotericists were drawn to Oahspe’s detailed descriptions of spiritual hierarchies‚ cosmic cycles‚ and the workings of the divine‚ finding it a source of inspiration and guidance for their own spiritual practices․
Alternative Religions and Spiritual Practices
Oahspe’s unconventional teachings and its rejection of traditional religious dogma attracted a following among individuals seeking alternative spiritual paths․ Oahspe’s emphasis on personal responsibility‚ ethical living‚ and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment resonated with those who felt disillusioned with mainstream religions․ Some groups incorporated elements of Oahspe’s cosmology and teachings into their own spiritual practices‚ developing unique rituals‚ meditations‚ and forms of worship based on Oahspe’s principles․ Oahspe’s influence can be seen in the emergence of new religious movements and spiritual communities that embrace its teachings on the nature of reality‚ the interconnectedness of all beings‚ and the importance of living in harmony with the divine․
Where to Find Oahspe
Oahspe is readily available in both physical and digital formats‚ making it accessible to a wide audience․
Online Resources
Physical Copies
For those who prefer a tangible copy of Oahspe‚ several options exist․ Used copies of the original 1882 edition can be found through online marketplaces like AbeBooks and Amazon‚ offering a glimpse into the book’s history․ Modern print versions‚ such as the 2007 Oahspe Standard Edition‚ are also available for purchase‚ providing a more accessible format for contemporary readers․ These editions often incorporate updated language and formatting‚ making the text more engaging and easier to navigate․ Additionally‚ many libraries worldwide hold physical copies of Oahspe‚ offering a valuable resource for those who wish to access the book in person․
Modern Editions and Translations
In addition to the original 1882 edition‚ Oahspe has been reissued in various modern formats to cater to a broader audience․ The Oahspe Standard Edition‚ released in 2007‚ is a popular choice‚ featuring updated language and formatting for contemporary readers․ This edition also includes the original pre-1882 Oahspe materials‚ such as the Book of Knowledge‚ Book of Ouranothen‚ and Levitica‚ offering a comprehensive look at the book’s teachings․ For those seeking a more accessible digital experience‚ Oahspe is also available on platforms like Amazon Kindle‚ allowing readers to easily access the text on their devices․ While translations into other languages are less common‚ dedicated online resources offer the complete text in languages such as Spanish‚ providing access to a wider global audience․
Oahspe⁚ A New Bible remains a unique and controversial work‚ attracting both fervent followers and skeptical critics․ Its origins in automatic writing‚ its unconventional cosmology‚ and its bold interpretations of biblical narratives have sparked debate and interest for over a century․ While its influence on mainstream religious thought may be limited‚ Oahspe continues to resonate with those seeking alternative spiritual perspectives and a deeper understanding of the universe and human existence․ Its availability in modern editions and translations ensures its accessibility to a wider audience‚ allowing readers to explore its profound teachings and engage with its enigmatic message․